The Norwegian Bliss is set to steal the show in Alaska next summer, as the brand new ship sails her first itinerary from Seattle in early June.

“It’s the first time we have put a new ship into that market,” said Andy Stuart, president and CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line. “That is capturing a lot of attention. We have really thought about the experience on the ship as it relates to Alaska.”

Alternative fuel choices are presenting the industry with a dilemma, according to Helge Hermundsgaard, business development manager at DNV GL Maritime. “LNG is definitely an alternative, but cruise lines are also exploring hybrid solutions with biofuels, fuel cells and other fuels,” he said. “If people tell you today they have the answer (future fuels), the only thing you can be sure about is that they are lying.